Flexible display screen systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A flexible display screen system and method includes an article that has a flexible material configured to cover at least a portion of a person&#39;s anatomy or at least a portion of an object. At least one flexible display screen is secured on the flexible material. A computer system is configured to provide image information for controlling a display of images on the flexible display screen. The computer system is configured to control the display of images on the flexible display screen in response to the sensor signal. The sensor may sense flexing of the flexible display screen or flexible material. Alternatively or in addition, the flexible display screen or flexible material may be controlled to flex, in response to the images displayed on the flexible display screen.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/818,970, filed on Aug. 5, 2015, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/033,822, filedAug. 6, 2014, which are all incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to flexible display screen systems andmethods and, in particular embodiments, to systems and methods in whichone or more flexible display screens is formed as or included in awearable article or cover for an article.

SUMMARY

A flexible display screen system and method according to embodimentsdescribed herein includes an article that has a flexible materialconfigured to cover at least a portion of a person's anatomy or at leasta portion of an object. At least one flexible display screen is securedon the flexible material. A computer system is configured to provideimage information for controlling a display of images on the flexibledisplay screen. The computer system is configured to control the displayof images on the flexible display screen in response to the sensorsignal. The sensor may sense flexing of the flexible display screen orflexible material. Alternatively or in addition, the flexible displayscreen or flexible material may be controlled to flex, in response tothe images displayed on the flexible display screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generalized electrical schematic diagram of a flexibledisplay screen system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a side-perspective view of a flexible display screen maskaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the mask of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a flexible display screen mask according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side schematic diagram of the flexible display screen maskof FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a generalized view of various flexible display screen systemexamples configured as various articles of apparel, according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flexible display screen system exampleconfigured as a table cloth.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are front views of a flexible display screen systemexamples configured as window coverings.

FIGS. 10-12 are perspective views of flexible display screen systemexamples configured as vehicle covers.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a flexible display screen systemexample configured as a cup, can or bottle cover.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a process according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplatedmode of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustratingthe general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention isbest defined by the appended claims.

A general representation of a flexible display screen system 10 is shownin FIG. 1. In system 10, at least one flexible display screen 12 isformed as or included in a flexible article 14. Accordingly, inparticular embodiments, the flexible display screen 12 shown in FIG. 1represents a single flexible display screen, while in other embodiments,the display screen 12 shown in FIG. 1 represents a plurality ofindividual display screens. The article 14 comprises at least oneflexible material, such as, but not limited to a flexible sheet material11. The article 14 may be, for example, but not limited to, a wearablearticle (to be worn on a user), a cover for an object (to be placed overand cover at least a portion of an object), an external part or entiretyof an object, or other flexible article as described herein.

The flexible display screen(s) 12 is connected, via a suitableconnection link 16, to a processor system 18. The processor system 18includes one or more electronic processors connected to one or moreelectronic memory devices 20 that store software and data forcontrolling operations of the processor system 18, as described herein.In particular embodiments, the flexible display screen system 10 alsoincludes one or more manual operators 22 (such as, but not limited to,knobs, buttons, sliders, switches, touch screen icons, voice recognitioninput devices or the like) for allowing manual input of information by auser. In such embodiments, the processor system 18 is configured torespond to and use the information input by the user in various mannersas described herein.

The system 10 also includes one or more power sources 24, for providingelectrical power to the processor system 18, memory device(s) 20 andother components described herein. A further power source (not shown)may be provided for powering the flexible display screen(s) 12 (e.g., bya separate power connection to the flexible display screen(s) 12) or,alternatively, the one or more power sources 24 may provide power to theflexible display screen(s) 12 through the link 16. The power sources mayinclude any suitable source of electrical power including, but notlimited to, one or more batteries, connections to an AC outlet or otherAC source, solar power generating cells, power over Ethernet (PoE),inductive power, or other network power or data/power connection, or thelike.

In particular embodiments, the flexible display screen system 10includes one or more sensors 24 and/or timers 26 that are included in orconnected to the processor system 18. In further particular embodiments,the system 10 includes suitable electronics and/or software 27(associated with or otherwise connected with the processor system 18)for communication connection over a network 28, such as, but not limitedto the Internet or other wide area network, a local area network, or thelike. In such embodiments, the system 10 may communicate with one ormore remote processors 30, over the network 28, as described herein.

The one or more flexible display screen(s) 12 are any suitable flexibleelectronic display devices, such as, but not limited to, an electronicpaper based display, a thin film transistor (TFT) based display, an OLEDdisplay or the like. In many of the embodiments described herein, theone or more flexible display screen(s) (12) can be “touch screens” thatutilize touch screen technology known in the art to provide users withmeans of interacting tactilely with icons, buttons and other imagesdisplayed on the flexible display screen (12) to enter information intoa computer, processor, etc., execute control functions, etc. Inparticular embodiments, the flexible display screen(s) 12 is formed intoan article as described herein (e.g., by being formed into the shape ofa portion or all of the article 14). In further embodiments, theflexible display screen(s) 12 is incorporated into the article 14 asdescribed herein (e.g., by being embedded, glued, welded, soldered, sewnor otherwise adhered or attached to a portion of the article 14, suchas, to a flexible sheet material 11 or other flexible material).

In an example embodiment, the processor system 18 comprises one or moreelectronic processor devices, such as, but not limited to, one or morespecial or general purpose electronic processors configured to performoperations as described herein. In particular embodiments, the processorsystem 18 is controlled by software or a combination of software andhardware to perform functions as described herein, where the software isstored on any suitable nontransitory storage medium accessible by orassociated with the processor system 18, such as, but not limited to theelectronic memory device(s) 20.

The one or more electronic memory devices 20 comprise any suitablenontransitory electronic storage device such as, but not limited to, arandom access memory RAM, read only memory ROM, solid state memory,floppy disc, hard disc, optical disc, CD, DVD, or the like. Inparticular embodiments, the processor 18 and electronic memory devices20 are included in a computer system 32, such as, but not limited to adesk top computer, lap top computer, electronic pad computer (such as,but not limited to an iPad, or the like), a smart phone device (such as,but not limited to an iPhone, android phone, or the like), a wearablecomputer device (such as Google Glass, a smart watch or smart jewelry)or a computer device prosthetically disposed on or in a person. Inparticular embodiments, the processor 18 and electronic memory devices20 are included in other objects that can be associated with one or moreflexible displays screens, such as clothing, skin, other living tissue,tree trunks, formerly living tissue, walls, floors, ceilings, doors,windows, mirrors, wall switches, door locks, pipes, street surfaces,runways, light standards, telephone poles, power poles, vehicles (suchas cars, trucks, boats and planes), furniture (such as tables),appliances (such as refrigerators, ovens and blenders), beverage andother food containers, ornamental containers, sheets, towels, blankets,puzzle pieces, playing cards, game pieces, toys (such as dolls, stuffedanimals, toy construction kit construction pieces, building blocks,including without limitation, interlocking building blocks such as LEGO®pieces, and models), balls (such as soccer balls and golf balls),holiday ornaments, globes, billboards, menus, and books.

The link 16 connecting the flexible display screen(s) 12 with theprocessor system 18 of the computer system 32 may be any suitableelectronic communication link, for communicating data or, in someembodiments, data and power, to the flexible display screen(s) 12. Insome embodiments the power source comprises one or more solar cells anda power storage means (such as one or more rechargeable batteries)disposed on or within the flexible display. In embodiments in which theflexible display screen(s) 12 has a separate power source, the link 16may be a wireless link for communicating data to or from the flexibledisplay screen(s) 12. In other embodiments, the link 16 comprises awired link that communicates data signals only or, in yet otherembodiments, a wired link that communicates both data and power signals.In example embodiments, the link 16 comprises, but is not limited to,one or more of a hard wired, radio frequency (RF), optical,electromagnetic, Ethernet, Blue Tooth, or similar connection. Thedisplay screen(s) 12 and the processor 18 (or other components of thecomputer system 32) include suitable electronics configured (byhardware, software, firmware or combinations thereof) to providecommunication operations corresponding to the type of communication link16 being employed for communication of data (or data and power) asdescribed herein.

The network 28 may be one or more wide area networks (such as, but notlimited to the Internet), local area networks or combinations thereof.The remote processor 30 may be any suitable system or object thatincludes an electronic processor connected for communication over thenetwork 28, including, but not limited to a desk top computer, mainframe computer, lap top computer, pad computer, smart phone or the like.In some embodiments the remote processor 30 is included in, associatedwith, or is a part of, one or more other objects, such as clothing,skin, other living tissue, tree trunks or other formerly living tissue,walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, mirrors, wall switches, doorlocks, pipes, street surfaces, runways, light standards, telephonepoles, power poles, vehicles (such as cars, trucks, boats and planes),furniture (such as tables), appliances (such as refrigerators, ovens andblenders), beverage and other food containers, ornamental containers,sheets, towels, blankets, puzzle pieces, playing cards, game pieces,toys (such as dolls, stuffed animals, toy construction kit constructionpieces, building blocks, including without limitation, interlockingbuilding blocks such as LEGO® pieces, and models), balls (such as soccerballs and golf balls), holiday ornaments, globes, billboards, menus, andbooks.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the article 14 is aflexible article or an article that has one or more flexible portionssuch as, but not limited to, one or more flexible sheet materials 11. Inparticular embodiments, the article 14 is a wearable article (apparel oraccessory) to be worn by a user.

In further embodiments, the article 14 is a cover configured to beplaced over and cover at least a portion of an object such as such asclothing, skin, other living tissue (such as plant leaves), tree trunksor other formerly living tissue, walls, floors, ceilings, doors,windows, mirrors, wall switches, door locks, pipes, street surfaces,runways, light standards, telephone poles, power poles, vehicles (suchas cars, trucks, boats and planes), furniture (such as tables),appliances (such as refrigerators, ovens and blenders), beverage andother food containers, ornamental containers, sheets, towels, blankets,puzzle pieces, playing cards, game pieces, toys (such as dolls, stuffedanimals, toy construction kit construction pieces, building blocks,including without limitation, interlocking building blocks such as LEGO®pieces, and models), balls (such as soccer balls and golf balls),holiday ornaments, globes, billboards, menus, and books.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the article 14 is a mask 100 configured tofit over the face and/or head of a user. The mask 100 of FIGS. 2 and 3may be a flexible mask configured to conform to and/or flex and move incorrespondence with flexing and movement of a user's face and head, whenworn.

In some embodiments the mask 100 is configured with one or moreadditional display units located in the inside (user facing portion) ofthe “eye” area(s) of the mask 100 (i.e., covering over part of or all ofone or both eyes of a user wearing the mask 100). In some embodimentsthe additional display unit(s) comprises a heads-up display on which canbe displayed information generated from one or more computer systems,including, without limitation, remote computer systems in communicationwith the additional display unit(s) over the Internet by wireless orwired means.

In some embodiments one or more cameras are affixed to or incorporatedinto a part of the outward facing portion of the one or more additionaldisplay units located in the “eye” area(s) of the mask 100 (i.e.,covering over part of or all of one or both eyes of a user wearing themask 100) or some other forward facing part of the mask. The camera(s)allow(s) for the capturing and transmission to the aforementionedadditional display units to enable the wearer to be provided with viewof the wearer's surroundings. In some embodiments the informationtransmitted by the camera(s) can be mixed with other content visible viathe aforementioned additional display units to provide an augmentedreality experience to the user. An example of use of a system configuredas described above in an instance where the wearer is playing anaugmented reality game with others using a similarly configured systemwould be able to present himself or herself as a character, for example,displayed on his or her flexible mask display unit while playing theaugmented reality game.

In some embodiments the mask 100 also includes one or more microphonesand/or one or more sound generating devices. In some embodiments themicrophones are used to capture voice commands that the computer systemuses to change the display on the mask display and/or otherwise providecommands to the computer system in communication with the additionaldisplay unit(s) (i.e., the eye socket display unit(s)). The soundgeneration means can be disposed on the outside of the mask, and/or onthe inside near the wearer's ears like headphones. In some embodiments,headphone buds are provided on the wearer's side of the mask. These budscan also be used as a means as part of the means of securing orstabilizing the mask on the face of the wearer.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the mask 100 includes one or more layer(s) 101 offlexible material, such as, but not limited to silicone or latexmaterial, and a second layer 112 composed of one or more flexibledisplay screens (corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12 ofFIG. 1). In particular embodiments, the layer 112 extends over all orsubstantially all of the layer(s) 101 of flexible silicone or latexmaterial. In other embodiments, the layer 112 extends over one or moreportions of, but not all of the layer 101 of flexible silicone or latexmaterial.

For example, in particular embodiments, the layer 112 comprises one ormore of the following regions of the mask 100: a region over the lefteye (in the area of an eyebrow), a region over the right eye (in thearea of an eyebrow), a region under the left eye (in the area of theleft cheek), a region under the right eye (in the area of the rightcheek, a region on the nose, a region around the mouth (in the area ofthe lips), a region over the mouth and below the nose (in a moustacheregion), a region below the mouth (on or above the chin), a region onthe forehead, or the like. In particular embodiments, the layer 112comprises a plurality of flexible display screens, such as displayscreens 112(a)-(i), arranged in a respective corresponding plurality ofregions (such as, but not limited to, the regions listed above). Inother embodiments, the plurality of flexible display screens in layer112 are arranged in some, but not all and/or in other regions of themask 100, with respect to the regions listed above. In otherembodiments, the layer 112 comprises a single flexible display screenthat extends over one or more (or all) of the regions as listed above.In particular embodiments, the layer 112 comprises one or more flexibledisplay screens that extend over the entire mask 100. In someembodiments, one or more flexible display screen segments can be customfabricated to fit the wearer's face. For example a “full face” or fullface and head unit can be fabricated to fit the wearer's face and/orhead.

For example, a headdress style mask may include the facial part as anintegrated part of a pullover mask which includes a part that goes overand around the head. In particular examples of such embodiments, theflexible display screen could include the all or part of the entireouter surface of such a flexible mask (to simulate hair, baldness,provide green screen color, etc.).

In certain embodiments, the flexible display screen(s) is in the layer112, which is adhered to the layer 101. In particular embodiments, thelayer 112 includes a layer of flexible, transparent material, such as,but not limited to a silicone material, in which the one or moreflexible displays are embedded. In yet other embodiments, the layer 112,itself, is one or more thin film flexible displays (or a plurality ofthin film flexible displays) formed on or otherwise adhered to the layer102.

In some embodiments of the invention the above configuration includingone or more flexible screens is adhered to the surface of, or includedinto the surface material of sinks, tubs, swimming pools, hot tubs,Jacuzzis™, and shower floors, or along a bottom or lining of toiletbowls and urinals (e.g., to produce an image that can allow kids tourinate down a computer generated mineshaft or put out a computergenerated fire, etc.).

In embodiments in which the layer 112 comprises a plurality of flexibledisplays, the layer 112 may comprise one or more regions 112 j in whichno flexible display is provided, where such regions 112 j may include,but are not limited to, regions of the mask 100 between two or more ofthe flexible displays or regions of the mask 100 to the side, above orbelow the flexible displays. In particular embodiments the regions 112 jare composed of a thin (e.g., the thickness of the flexible displays, orthinner), transparent (or semi-transparent), flexible material, such as,but not limited to silicone, latex or the like, that connect theplurality of flexible displays together.

Also, in embodiments in which the layer 112 comprises a plurality offlexible displays, the processor 18 may include a correspondingplurality of connection links 16 (in a one-to-one relation to theplurality of flexible display), such that each flexible display has acorresponding, separate connection link 16. In other embodiments, aplurality of flexible displays are connected to the process or 18,through a single connection link 16, such as an addressable data bus orthe like, where each flexible display is separately addressable.Accordingly, each of the plurality of flexible displays is separatelycontrolled (relative to the other flexible displays) to displaydifferent respective image information, e.g., corresponding to thelocation of the flexible display on the mask 100. Thus, for example,flexible display 112(a) is controlled to provide an image of a regionabove a left eye, including a left eyebrow, flexible display 112 (b) iscontrolled to provide an image of a region above a right eye, includinga right eyebrow, and so forth.

Image information for displaying images on the flexible displays in thelayer 112 may be stored in the memory 20 and selectively retrieved bythe processor 18 for controlling the flexible displays, based onselection input provided by the user, e.g. through the manual controller22. In other embodiments, some or all of the image information fordisplaying images is obtained by the processor 18, from one or moreremote processors 30, over the network 28.

In particular embodiments, a plurality of selectable images (eachdifferent from the other) are stored in the memory 20 (or stored atremote locations on the network 28) and are selectable through themanual controller 22, for one or more (or each) of the plurality offlexible displays in the mask 100. Accordingly, for example, an imagefrom a plurality of images of different eyebrows may be selected by theuser for display screens 112(a) or 112(b), an image from a plurality ofimages of noses may be selected for the display screen 112(e), an imagefrom a plurality of images of different mustaches or upper lips may beselected by the user for the display screen 112(g), and so forth. Inparticular embodiments, two or more of the images for a particularregion may show the same image features, but in different colors, shadesor tones, to allow selection by the user of different colors, shades ortones for the region. Thus, for example, a color, shade or tone may beselected for images shown on each of the display screens 112(c) and112(d), to selectively provide (or not provide) a blushing appearance inthe regions of the user's cheeks, or to provide one of a plurality ofselectable levels of blushing appearances.

In particular embodiments, the display screen layer 112 (or the displayscreens in the layer 112) are formed of thin, transparent orsemi-transparent materials, so that the layer 101 is visible through thedisplay screen layer 112. In such embodiments, the layer 101 may becolored, shaped and/or otherwise configured to provide a first visualappearance of facial features when the display screen(s) in the layer112 are off or otherwise not displaying an electronically generatedimage. In those embodiments, the layer 112 enhances or otherwise changesthe visual appearance (to a second visual appearance) of facial featureson the mask 100. For example, a first visual appearance may show some orall facial features of layer 101 as appearing without makeup or otherenhancements, while a second visual appearance (with one or more displayscreen(s) in the layer 112 providing an electronically generated image)may show some or all of the same facial features as appearing withmakeup or other enhancements. A plurality of selectable images (forexample, each having an appearance of a different amount, color, shade,tone, style or other quality of makeup, or other different visibleenhancement relative to the other selectable images) may be availableand selectable, as described above. Accordingly, in particularembodiments, a user is provided with a plurality of different makeup orother enhancements that can be selected and displayed in the displayscreen layer 112, to selectively enhance or otherwise change the visualappearance of the facial features on the display screen layer 112. Suchother enhancements may include, but are not limited to, images of othervisual appearance features may be stored and selected (e.g., other thanmakeup), such as, but not limited to, features relating to the shape orcontour of portions of the face (e.g., nose shapes, lip shapes,cheek-bone structures, forehead wrinkles, or the like) and/or imagesrelating to objects on the face (e.g., nose studs or other jewelry, eyepatches, eye glasses, bandages, or the like), to allow a user toselectively enhance or change the visual appearance of the facialfeatures on the layer 101 in other manners.

In yet further embodiments, the layer 101 also may be formed of atransparent or semi-transparent material, so that the user's own facialfeatures are viewable through the mask 100, when the display screen(s)in the layer 112 are off or otherwise not displaying an electronicallygenerated image. In such embodiments, the layer 112 may be controlled toenhances or otherwise change a first visual appearance (corresponding tothe appearance features of the user's own face without electronic imageenhancements), to a second visual appearance (corresponding to a changedor enhanced visual appearance of the user's face, where one or moreelectronically generated image is shown in one or more display screen(s)in the layer 112, to change or enhance the appearance of the user'sface).

In yet further embodiments, the layer 101 includes transparent orsemi-transparent material on portions of the mask 100, and includesopaque (non-transparent) material on other portions of the mask 100,such that portions of the user's face are viewable through thetransparent or semi-transparent material of the mask 100, while otherportions of the user's face are covered by the opaque (non-transparent)material of the mask. One or more display screen(s) in the layer 112 maybe provided over the portions of the mask 100 that are transparent orsemi-transparent. Alternatively or in addition, one or more displayscreen(s) in the layer 112 may be provided over the portions of the mask100 that are opaque (not transparent). Accordingly, stored images may beselected to enhance or change one or more transparent orsemi-transparent portions of the mask (e.g., to enhance or change thevisual appearance of the user's own facial features shown through thoseportions of the mask, and/or further stored images may be selected toenhance or change one or more opaque (non-transparent) portions of themask 100 (e.g., to enhance or change the visual appearance of the facialfeatures on the layer 101 in those portions of the mask 100).

In some such embodiments, one or more display screen(s) in the layer 112can be arranged at one or more locations to hide (or add) one or more ofa mole, a freckle, or a wrinkle line. It is to be understood that theinstant invention does not limit the size of the display to anyparticular dimensions. Thus, one or more very small display screen(s)can be used. In some embodiments, one or more display screen(s) in thelayer 112 includes material that changes color when exposed to light (orto light of a particular wavelength, such as, but not limited toultra-violet UV). For example, one or more display screen(s) in thelayer 112 may include a layer of color changing polymers, photochromaticfilm or electrochromatic materials of the type used in color changinglenses for sunglasses or the like, to cause the display screen (thewhole or one or more selected parts of the display screen) to changecolor when exposed to light (or a particular wavelength of light). In afurther example, a cell (such as, but not limited to, pixel-sized)containing one or more color displaying light reactive material(s) isdisposed in the flexible display adjacent to an OLED or other lightemitting device that emits light at various wavelengths. A light sensor(e.g., sensor 24 or other sensor disposed in, or associated with, thedisplay screen) detects that the display screen is in bright light.Next, the colors emitted by the OLEDs are adjusted to trigger reactionsin the color producing chemical(s) in the aforementioned cell whichalone or in concert with the light produced by the OLEDs produce anappropriate visible color resulting from non-absorbed ambient lightfalling on the display screen. In this way, for example, a flexibledisplay screen disposed over a blemish on a person's skin will continueto hide a skin blemish even in circumstances where the flexible displayscreen is made of a transparent (or partially transparent material) andambient light is brighter than that which is displayable by the flexiblescreen. This system, of course has applications for providing viewabledigital displays in bright light that go beyond the mask embodiment.

In particular embodiments, stored image information for one or moredisplay screen(s) in the layer 112 may be selected by a user, throughthe manual controller 22, to selectively enhance or otherwise change thevisual appearance of facial features on the layer 101 of the mask and/oron portions of the user's own face viewable through the mask 100. Themanual controller 22 may comprise any suitable manual selection device,such as, but not limited to those described above. In particularembodiments, the manual controller 22 includes or is associated withindicia that identifies a plurality of different selectable imageenhancements and/or a plurality of different regions of the faceassociated with the image enhancements (and/or regions associated withthe individual display screens in the display screen layer 112). Thus,different selectable image enhancements may comprise, for example, butnot limited to, a plurality of different colors, shades, tones, shapes,contours, styles, combinations thereof, or the like. Differentselectable regions of the face may comprise, for example, but notlimited to, the regions associated with display screens 112(a)-(i), orother suitable regions, as discussed above. In particular embodiments,the plurality of different selectable image enhancements and/or theplurality of different regions of the face are arranged in a menu thatis displayed to the user, for example, on an electronic display device(not shown) associated with the computer system 32. In furtherembodiments, instead of or in addition to the manual controller 22, userinput may be provided from a further communication device (such as, butnot limited to, a smart phone, electronic pad, laptop computer, desktopcomputer or the like), through a wireless communication link (not shown)with the computer system 32. In such further embodiments, the menu maybe displayed on a display device of that further communication device,such that the further communication device operates as a remotecontroller for the system 10. In still further embodiments, where theflexible display screen system, such as a mask, includes or operateswith one or more microphones and a computer system configured with voicerecognition ability, the control of the content displayed on one or moreflexible display screens (e.g., in the layer 112 of a mask) can becontrolled in whole or in part by the wearer's voice commands. Inparticular embodiments, a mask 100 may include one or more furtherregions on the front, top, back, sides and side-burn areas of the head,where hair is commonly grown. In such embodiments, one or more furtherflexible display screens may be included in a corresponding one or moreof those further regions of the mask 100, to display images of hair orother head features. In yet further examples of such embodiments, themask 100 includes hair material (strands of hair or hair-like threads,or the like) overlaying one or more flexible display screens on one ormore of those further regions. In such further embodiments, the flexibledisplay screens can provide visual images below the hair material, toenhance the visual effect of the hair material.

In yet other embodiments, the article 14 comprises a wig or head-mask200 configured to be arranged over the upper, back and/or side-burnregions of the head, but not over the face region of the head, as shownin FIGS. 4 and 5. The mask 200 is shown on a user's head in FIG. 4, andoff of the user's head in FIG. 5. The mask 200 is configured similar tothe mask 100 described above, and includes one or more flexible displayscreens 212 (corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12 ofFIG. 1) in one or more corresponding regions of the mask 200. The one ormore corresponding regions in the mask 200 include, but are not limitedto, the front region (above the forehead), the top region (facinggenerally upward when the user is standing), the back region (facingrearward of the user, when the user is standing), the right side region(over and behind the right ear of the user), the left side region (overand behind the left ear of the user), the right side-burn region and theleft side-burn region, where flexible display screens 212 a-212 f,respectively, are located.

In other embodiments, the article 14 comprises another form of aflexible, wearable article (article that can be worn on a person oranimal, e.g., on a head, torso, arm, leg, hand, foot, other body part,or combinations thereof). For example, various embodiments of flexible,wearable articles are described herein with reference to FIG. 6.Wearable articles in FIG. 6 include a hat 600, a headband 610, a wristband 620, a shirt 630, pants 640, a belt 650, and gloves 660. In otherembodiments, the wearable article comprises another form or style of thetype of article shown in FIG. 6 and/or another type of article such as,but not limited to, a vest, jacket, tie, scarf, tie clip, cufflinks,earring or other jewelry, dress, skirt, cape, hood, poncho, raincoat,cap, hat, helmet, t-shirt, shorts, bikini top and/or bottom, leotard,body suit, earmuffs, gloves, overalls, socks, hose, panty hose,leggings, shoes, slippers, sandals, robe, pajamas, overalls, lingerie,underwear, pasties, socks, panty hose, sunglasses, eye glasses, baseballglove, Christmas stocking, pet clothing, or the like. The types andstyles of wearable articles shown in FIG. 6 are provided to assist withthe disclosure and explain certain example embodiments, but are notintended to limit other embodiments of the invention to the same typesand styles of wearable articles.

In some embodiments the system is configured to display a coded image ora plurality of coded images, that is(are) only visible to a viewer usinga device, such as a device comprising or associated with a head's updisplay (such as Google Glass) or other system that is configured toprovide a decoded version of the image or plurality of images, so as toprovide to the viewer a view of one or more images on the display thatis different from that viewed by another viewer viewing the display witha naked eye unaided by such a head's up display or other systemconfigured to provide a decoded version of the image or plurality ofimages. In some such embodiments the display is configured to displayone or more first images, such as a floral design, to a viewer's nakedeye while displaying one or more second images, such as one or moreimages of one or more concealed body parts, only to the viewer when theviewer uses a viewing device properly configured to display the one ormore second images via the viewing device.

Example embodiments of a wearable article in FIG. 6 include an articlethat is configured to be worn on a person's head, such as, a hat 600 ora headband 610. The hat 600 comprises at least one layer 601 of aflexible material, such as, but not limited to a cotton, wool, natural,synthetic or composite cloth fabric material of the type typically usedfor hats, other cloth material, plastic, nylon, silicone, carbonnanotubes, smart fabrics, combinations of the foregoing or the like. Thehat also includes one or more flexible display screens 602(corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) that isembedded in or otherwise adhered to, or formed as the flexible materialof the layer(s) 601 in any suitable manner, including, but not limitedto those discussed above for the flexible display(s) in the one or moreregions of the masks 100 or 200. In particular embodiments, at least oneflexible display screen 602 is arranged to wrap and curve at leastpartially around the head of the user, when the hat 600 is worn by theuser. In further embodiments, a plurality of flexible display screens602 are arranged around the circumference of the hat so that theflexible display screens 602 wrap around one or more portions of (or theentire circumference of) the user's head, when the hat 602 is worn bythe user.

The headband 610 comprises any suitable flexible material that is formedin a loop having a diameter suitable for snuggly fitting over theforehead of a user. The headband 610 comprises at least one layer 611 ofa flexible material, such as, but not limited to a cotton, wool,natural, synthetic or composite cloth fabric material of the typetypically used for headbands, other cloth material, plastic, nylon,silicone, carbon nanotubes, smart fabrics, combinations of theforegoing, or the like, preferably having a sufficient elasticity toexpand to fit over the user's forehead, and then contract under its ownelasticity, to hold comfortably around the user's head. The headband 610also includes one or more flexible display screens 612 (corresponding tothe flexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) that is embedded in orotherwise adhered to, or formed as the flexible material of the layer(s)601 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to thosediscussed above for the flexible display(s) in the one or more regionsof the masks 100 or 200. In particular embodiments, at least oneflexible display screen 612 is arranged to wrap and curve at leastpartially around the forehead of the user, when the headband 610 is wornby the user. In further embodiments, a plurality of flexible displayscreens 612 are arranged around the circumference of the headband 610 sothat the flexible display screens 612 wrap around one or more portionsof (or the entire circumference of) the user's head, when the headband610 is worn by the user.

The wrist band 620 comprises any suitable flexible material that isformed in a loop having a diameter suitable for snuggly fitting over thewrist of a user. The wrist band 620 comprises at least one layer 621 ofa flexible material, such as, but not limited to a cotton, wool,natural, synthetic or composite cloth fabric material of the typetypically used for wrist bands, other cloth material, plastic, nylon,silicone, carbon nanotubes, smart fabrics, combinations of the foregoingor the like, preferably having a sufficient elasticity to expand to fitover the user's hand, and then contract under its own elasticity, tohold comfortably around the user's wrist. The wrist band 620 alsoincludes one or more flexible display screens 622 (corresponding to theflexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) that is embedded in orotherwise adhered to, or formed as the flexible material of the layer(s)621 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to thosediscussed above for the flexible display(s) in the one or more regionsof the masks 100 or 200. In particular embodiments, at least oneflexible display screen 622 is arranged to wrap and curve at leastpartially around the wrist of the user, when the wrist band 620 is wornby the user. In further embodiments, a plurality of flexible displayscreens 622 are arranged around the circumference of the wrist band 622so that the flexible display screens 612 wrap around one or moreportions of (or the entire circumference of) the user's wrist, when thewrist band 620 is worn by the user.

The shirt 630 comprises any suitable flexible material that is formed ina shape to wear over the upper torso region of a user. The shirt 630comprises at least one layer 631 of a flexible material, such as, butnot limited to a cotton, wool, natural, synthetic or composite clothfabric material of the type typically used for shirts, other clothmaterial, plastic, nylon, silicone, carbon nanotubes, smart fabrics,combinations of the foregoing or the like. The shirt 630 also includesone or more flexible display screens 632 (corresponding to the flexibledisplay screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) that is embedded in or otherwise adheredto, or formed as the flexible material of the layer(s) 631 in anysuitable manner, including, but not limited to those discussed above forthe flexible display(s) in the one or more regions of the masks 100 or200. In particular embodiments, at least one flexible display screen 632is arranged to wrap and curve at least partially around one or more ofthe torso region, shoulder region, arms or neck of the user, when theshirt 630 is worn by the user. In further embodiments, a plurality offlexible display screens 632 are arranged to wrap around one or moreportions of (or the entire) torso region, shoulder region, arm(s), orneck of the user, when the shirt 630 is worn by the user.

The pants 640 comprise any suitable flexible material that is formed ina shape to wear over the hips and legs of a user. The pants 640 compriseat least one layer 641 of a flexible material, such as, but not limitedto a cotton, wool, natural, synthetic or composite cloth fabric materialof the type typically used for pants, other cloth material, plastic,nylon, silicone, carbon nanotubes, smart fabrics, combinations of theforegoing or the like. The pants 640 also include one or more flexibledisplay screens 642 (corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12of FIG. 1) that is embedded in or otherwise adhered to, or formed as theflexible material of the layer(s) 641 in any suitable manner, including,but not limited to those discussed above for the flexible display(s) inthe one or more regions of the masks 100 or 200. In particularembodiments, at least one flexible display screen 642 is arranged towrap and curve at least partially around the hips, legs or crotch regionof the user, when the pants 640 are worn by the user. In furtherembodiments, a plurality of flexible display screens 642 are arranged towrap around one or more portions of (or the entire) hips, legs or crotchregion of the user, when the pants 640 are worn by the user.

The belt 650 comprises any suitable flexible material that is formed ina shape to wear around the hips or waist region of a user. The belt 650comprise at least one layer 651 of a flexible material, such as, but notlimited to a cotton, wool, leather, other animal skin, natural,synthetic or composite material of the type typically used for belts,other cloth fabric material, plastic, nylon, silicone, carbon nanotubes,smart fabrics, combinations of the foregoing or the like. The belt 650also includes one or more flexible display screens 652 (corresponding tothe flexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) that is embedded in orotherwise adhered to, or formed as the flexible material of the layer(s)651 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to thosediscussed above for the flexible display(s) in the one or more regionsof the masks 100 or 200. In particular embodiments, at least oneflexible display screen 652 is arranged to wrap and curve at leastpartially around the hips or waist region of the user, when the belt 650is worn by the user. In further embodiments, a plurality of flexibledisplay screens 652 are arranged around the length (long) dimension ofthe belt so that the flexible display screens 652 wrap around one ormore portions of (or the entire circumference of) the user's hips orwaist region, when the belt 650 is worn by the user.

Each glove 660 comprises any suitable flexible material that is formedin a shape to wear on a hand of a user. Each glove 660 comprises atleast one layer 661 of a flexible material, such as, but not limited toa cotton, wool, leather, other animal skin, natural, synthetic orcomposite material of the type typically used for gloves, other clothfabric material, plastic, nylon, silicone, carbon nanotubes, smartfabrics, combinations of the foregoing, or the like. Each glove 660 alsoincludes one or more flexible displays 662 (corresponding to theflexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) that is embedded in orotherwise adhered to, or formed as the flexible material of the layer(s)661 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to thosediscussed above for the flexible display(s) in the one or more regionsof the masks 100 or 200. In particular embodiments, at least oneflexible display screen 662 is arranged to wrap and curve at leastpartially around one or more of the fingers, thumb, palm or back of theuser's hand, when the glove 660 is worn by the user. In furtherembodiments, a plurality of flexible display screens 662 are arranged towrap around one or more of the fingers, thumb, palm or back of theuser's hand, when the glove 660 is worn by the user.

Each shoe 670 comprises any suitable flexible material that is formed ina shape of a shoe upper or sole, to wear on a foot of a user. Each shoe670 comprises at least one layer 671 of a flexible material, such as,but not limited to a cotton, wool, leather, other animal skin, natural,synthetic or composite material of the type typically used for shoes,other cloth fabric material, plastic, nylon, silicone, carbon nanotubes,smart fabrics, combinations of the foregoing, or the like. Each shoe 670also includes one or more flexible displays 672 (corresponding to theflexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) that is embedded in orotherwise adhered to, or formed as the flexible material of the layer(s)671 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to thosediscussed above for the flexible display(s) in the one or more regionsof the masks 100 or 200. In particular embodiments, at least oneflexible display screen 672 is arranged to wrap and curve at leastpartially around a portion of the user's foot, when the shoe 670 is wornby the user. In further embodiments, a plurality of flexible displayscreens 672 are arranged to wrap around the user's foot, when the shoe670 is worn by the user.

In yet further embodiments, a flexible display screen system includestwo or more wearable articles configured to be worn on two or moredifferent portions of a user, where each wearable article includes oneor more flexible display screens as described above. In particularembodiments, the two or more wearable articles may comprise a full orpartial body suit that covers the user entirely or partially. In suchembodiments, the flexible display screens in the two or more wearablearticles may be controlled to display a coordinated image across theentire or part of the user's body, head and extremities.

In the above embodiments, the article 14 comprises a mask or apparelitem configured to cover a portion of a person's anatomy. In furtherembodiments, the article 14 comprises a flexible cover for anotherobject or is otherwise deposed on or around another object or partthereof. In particular embodiments, the flexible cover is made of one ormore layers of flexible sheet material 11 such as, but not limited to awoven or unwoven cloth (natural or synthetic), cotton, wool, leather orother animal skin, rubber, silicone, latex, nylon, silicone, carbonnanotubes, smart fabrics, combinations of the foregoing, plastic,combinations thereof or other suitable flexible material. In theembodiment of FIG. 7, the cover is configured as a table cloth 800 (ortable cover) and is shaped to flexibly fit over and cover at least aportion of a table. One or more flexible display screens 812 a, 812 b(corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) areprovided as a layer on, embedded in or otherwise adhered to the flexiblesheet material of the table cloth 800 in any suitable manner, including,but not limited to those discussed above for the flexible displayscreen(s) in the one or more regions of the masks 100 or 200. Inparticular embodiments, one or more flexible display screens 812 a, 812b are arranged in a location corresponding to one or more place mats ata table setting, centerpiece or other predefined area(s) of a table whenthe table cloth 800 is placed over the table. In such embodiments, theflexible displays 812 a, 812 b may be controlled to display text orimages of menu items, visual images of food, visual designs,advertisements, movies, or other performances, or the like, to one ormore persons sitting at (or present near) the table. In yet furtherembodiments, the article 14 comprises a flexible placemat or napkin,configured to be placed on (and cover) a portion of a table, where theflexible display screen(s) are included in the article in a manner asdescribed above.

In some such embodiments, one or more sensor(s) 24 may comprise apressure sensor, inductive sensor, temperature sensor or other suitablesensor that provides a signal in response to an item being placed on thetable cloth 800, placemat or napkin and/or in response to thetemperature of an item placed on the table cloth 800, placemat or napkin(or on a designated location of on the table cloth, placemat or napkinat which sensor 24 is located), where the flexible display screen(s) arecontrolled to display an image in response to the sensor signal. In yetfurther embodiments, the one or more sensor(s) 24 provide a signalindicating the amount of pressure, weight, force, temperature, motion orother parameter associated with an item placed on the table cloth 800,placemat or napkin, such that the flexible display screen(s) arecontrolled to display different images for different sensed levels ofthe pressure, weight, force, temperature, or other parameter.

In similar embodiments, the cover (including the flexible sheet materialof the cover) is configured as a floor covering such as, but not limitedto, a rug, carpet, floor mat or the like, or a bed covering such as, butnot limited to a blanket, bedspread, duvet, pillow or the like, or afurniture covering such as, but not limited to, the fabric material ofor covering for a bed, sofa, chair, pedestal, bench or the like. In suchembodiments, one or more sensor(s) 24 may comprise a pressure sensor,inductive sensor or other suitable sensor that provides a signal inresponse to a person stepping on the floor covering, or laying orsitting on the blanket, bedspread, pillow, bed, sofa, chair, pedestal,bench, etc., where the flexible display screen(s) are controlled todisplay an image in response to the sensor signal. In yet furtherembodiments, the one or more sensor(s) 24 provide a signal indicatingthe amount of pressure, weight, force, speed, motion or other parameterassociated with the stepping or laying action, such that the flexibledisplay screen(s) are controlled to display different images fordifferent sensed levels of the pressure, weight, force, speed, or otherparameter.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the cover is configured as a windowcover in the form of a curtain 900, shade 950 or other flexible windowcover. One or more flexible display screens 912 a, 912 b or 952(corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) areembedded or otherwise adhered to the flexible sheet material of thewindow covers 900 and 950 in any suitable manner, including, but notlimited to those discussed above for the flexible display(s) in the oneor more regions of the masks 100 or 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 12,the flexible window cover is formed in a curtain configuration that isable to selectively draw from and to one or both sides of a window toselectively cover and uncover at least a portion of the window. In suchembodiments, the curtain 900 is configured to be supported in a hangingorientation by a curtain rod or other hardware (not shown). In theembodiment of FIG. 13, the window shade 950, including the flexibledisplay screen 952, is configured to selectively roll up or unrollaround a roll axis A, to open or close the shade over the window, in amanner similar to the manner in which conventional window shades rolland unroll. When the curtain of FIG. 8 is closed, or the shade in FIG. 9is rolled down, the one or more flexible display screens 912 a, 912 b or952 are visible (either from inside of the window or outside of thewindow, depending upon the direction the flexible display screen faces).

In particular embodiments of a window cover as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,one or more sensor(s) 24 provide a signal relating to a parameter orcondition of a window (or other object) that the window cover isarranged to selectively cover. For example, one or more sensor(s) 24 maybe configured to detect a predefined condition such as, but not limitedto, the open or closed state of the window, a breakage of glass in thewindow, and/or weather or other condition outside of the window. In suchembodiments, the flexible display screen(s) are controlled to displayone or more images in response to the detection (by the sensor(s) 24) ofthe predefined condition. For example, the flexible display screen(s)may be controlled to display an alarm message (or warning message) inresponse to the detection of an open condition of the window and/or thebreakage of glass in the window.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the cover 955 is configuredto fit over a vehicle (not shown), such as, but not limited to a car,truck, boat, plane, motorcycle, bicycle, recreational vehicle, or thelike. The cover 955 includes one or more layers of a flexible sheetmaterial 956, and one or more flexible display screens 957(corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) areprovided as a layer on, embedded in or otherwise adhered to the flexiblesheet material 956 of the vehicle cover in any suitable manner,including, but not limited to those discussed above for the flexibledisplay(s) in the one or more regions of the masks 100 or 200. Theflexible sheet material 956 may be any suitable material for coveringand/or protecting a vehicle from dust, moisture, sun and/or otherweather or environmental conditions, such as, but not limited tonatural, synthetic, or a combination of natural and synthetic materials,including but not limited to cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, silicone,carbon nanotubes, smart fabrics, combinations of the foregoing, or thelike. In particular embodiments, the cover 955 is configured in a shapeto conform to the outer shape of a particular type of vehicle.

In particular embodiments, the flexible display screen(s) 957 on thecover 955 may be controlled to display advertisement information,messages or other information that is intended to be viewed by multiplepeople (where a vehicle on which the cover is placed is parked in alocation that is viewable by multiple people). In other embodiments, theflexible display screen(s) 957 on the cover may be controlled to displayalarm and/or warning information in response to a sensor 24 detecting analarm condition, such as, but not limited to, a motion of the vehiclegreater than a predefined motion threshold (where the sensor 24comprises a motion sensor), an opening of a door, hood or window of thevehicle (where the sensor 24 comprises a window, hood or door openingdetector), a window shattering (where the sensor 24 comprises an audiosensor for detecting glass breakage), or the like.

In yet further embodiments as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the covercomprises a flexible panel 960 configured to attach to (and cover) atleast a portion of the exterior surface of a vehicle or other object.

In some embodiments the remote processor 30 is included in, associatedwith, or is a part of, one or more other objects, such as clothing,skin, other living tissue, tree trunks or other formerly living tissue,walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, mirrors, wall switches, doorlocks, pipes, street surfaces, runways, light standards, telephonepoles, power poles, vehicles (such as cars, trucks, boats and planes),furniture (such as tables), appliances (such as refrigerators, ovens andblenders), beverage and other food containers, ornamental containers,sheets, towels, blankets, puzzle pieces, playing cards, game pieces,toys (such as dolls, stuffed animals, toy construction kit constructionpieces, building blocks, including without limitation, interlockingbuilding blocks such as LEGO® pieces, and models), balls (such as soccerballs and golf balls), holiday ornaments, globes, billboards, menus, andbooks.

In yet further embodiments, the flexible panel 960 comprises an exteriorcomponent of a vehicle or other object such as clothing, skin, otherliving tissue, tree trunks or other formerly living tissue, walls,floors, ceilings, doors, windows, mirrors, wall switches, door locks,pipes, street surfaces, runways, light standards, telephone poles, powerpoles, vehicles (such as cars, trucks, boats and planes), furniture(such as tables), appliances (such as refrigerators, ovens andblenders), beverage and other food containers, ornamental containers,sheets, towels, blankets, puzzle pieces, playing cards, game pieces,toys (such as dolls, stuffed animals, toy construction kit constructionpieces, building blocks, including without limitation, interlockingbuilding blocks such as LEGO® pieces, and models), balls (such as soccerballs and golf balls), holiday ornaments, globes, billboards, menus, andbooks.

The flexible panel 960 includes a layer of flexible panel material 961configured to adhere to a vehicle or other object and conform to acurved or bent surface of the vehicle or object, and one or moreflexible display screen 962 (corresponding to the flexible displayscreen(s) 12 of FIG. 1) is provided as a layer on, embedded in orotherwise adhered to, or formed as the flexible panel material. Inparticular embodiments, the flexible panel material 961 may comprise anysuitable material having sufficient strength and durability to supportthe flexible display screen(s) 962 and flexibility as described herein,including, but not limited to a plastic, rubber, silicone, latex orother suitable material.

One or more securing members 964 are provided on the flexible panelmaterial 961, to adhere one side of the flexible panel material 961 tothe exterior surface of a vehicle or other object, where the flexibledisplay screen(s) 962 are arranged to be viewable from the other side ofthe flexible panel material 961 (i.e., the side facing opposite to theside on which the securing member(s) 964 are provided). The securingmembers 964 may be any suitable material(s) for connecting the flexiblepanel 960 to a vehicle or other object, and, in particular embodiments,material(s) that allow the flexible panel 960 to be secured, removed andre-secured (i.e., removeably secured) to a vehicle or other object,including, but not limited to magnet pads (pads of magnet material),adhesive pads (pads of adhesive material) or the like.

In yet further embodiments as shown in FIG. 13, the cover comprises acontainer cover 970 (for example, but not limited to, a cover for a cup,drinking glass, can, jar, bottle, box, bag, pot, pan, or other foodcontainer) configured to receive and surround a portion of a container(such as, but not limited to a generally cylindrical cup, can orbottle). The cover 970 is composed of an inner layer of flexiblematerial 971 that provides thermal insulation, such as, but not limitedto Styrofoam, plastic, silicone or the like, where one or more flexibledisplay screens 972 (corresponding to the flexible display screen(s) 12of FIG. 1) is embedded in or otherwise adhered to or formed as theflexible material. The cover 970 includes an open end 975, opening intoan open interior. The open end 975 and open interior are shaped andconfigured for receiving a cup, can or bottle. In particularembodiments, the cup or bottle cover 970 (e.g., via the layer offlexible material 971 or other closing material) is closed on the end977 opposite to the open end 975, to enclose the bottom of a cup, can orbottle, when received within the interior of the cover 970. In otherembodiments, the end 977 is open, allowing a portion of a cup, can orbottle to extend out from the bottom of the cover 970, when receivedwithin the interior of the cover 970.

In some embodiments of the cover 970 for a drinking glass or bottle, thecover 970 includes or is associated with an image sensor or camera (suchas sensor 24 or other sensor or camera) and a data storage means (suchas memory device(s) 20 or other suitable electronic data memory) and aswitch (such as manual operator 22 or other suitable means) to activatethe camera to take a picture or video (such as, but not limited to, bytouch activation). In such embodiments, the processing system 18 isconfigured to display the image (picture or video) on one or moredisplay screens on the cover. This would enable a person drinking out ofsuch a container to take a pictures of themself and generate aphotographic display of themself on the containers so that they andothers will be informed as to whom the container belongs.

In particular embodiments, a temperature sensor (as one a sensor 24,discussed above) is provided in the cover 970 (e.g., in the flexiblematerial 971), in a position to sense the temperature of a cup or bottle(or of liquid within the cup or bottle) received within the interior 977of the cover 970. In such embodiments, the system 10 may be configuredto provide different display images on the flexible display screen(s)975, at different respective temperatures of the cup, bottle or liquid.In that manner, the flexible display screen(s) 975 display imagesassociated with the temperature of the cup, bottle or liquid (e.g.,images representing numerical values, designs, icons or other indiciaindicating a temperature value). In yet other embodiments, the sensor 24includes a volume sensor for detecting the volume of liquid within thecup or bottle received within the interior 977. In such embodiments, thesystem 10 may be configured to provide different display images on theflexible display screen(s) 975, at different respective volumes ofliquid in the cup, bottle or liquid. In that manner, the flexibledisplay screen(s) 975 displays images associated with the volume ofliquid in the cup, bottle or liquid (e.g., images representing numericalvalues, designs, icons or other indicia indicating a volume value).

In yet further embodiments, the flexible display screen(s) 12 may beattached to or formed as other flexible articles, such as, a sail of asailboat, a banner, a flag, windsock, the fabric of a balloon (e.g., ahelium, hot-air, or other lighter-than-air balloon), the fabric of aninflatable object such as, but not limited to a ball, floatation device,raft, pool toy, a doll, a game piece, glider, hang glider, fabric wingaircraft, drone air craft, or the like. In certain embodiments describedabove, a radio-controlled navigation and/or propulsion system may beemployed to control for example, the motion of a sailboat, balloon,floatation device, air craft, drone or the like.

In yet further embodiments the flexible display screens 12 displayscreens may be regular or irregular in shape and be included in,associated with, or is a part of, one or more the exterior surfaces ofother types of useful objects, such as clothing, skin, other livingtissue, tree trunks or other formerly living tissue, walls, floors,ceilings, doors, windows, mirrors, wall switches, door locks, pipes,street surfaces, runways, light standards, telephone poles, power poles,light bulbs, vehicles (such as cars, trucks, boats and planes),furniture (such as tables), appliances (such as refrigerators, ovens andblenders), beverage and other food containers, ornamental containers,sheets, towels, blankets, puzzle pieces, playing cards, game pieces,toys (such as dolls, stuffed animals, toy construction kit constructionpieces, building blocks, including without limitation, interlockingbuilding blocks such as LEGO® pieces, and models), balls (such as soccerballs and golf balls), holiday ornaments, globes, billboards, menus, andbooks.

As an example of one of the embodiments above, such irregularly-shapeddisplay screens 12 may be disposed on, or incorporated into the surfaceof irregular objects such jigsaw puzzle pieces. In some such embodimentsjigsaw puzzle pieces are configured with, or otherwise include, suchirregularly shaped displays, a processor, a wireless communication meansand a power source that enable such pieces to receive displayinformation from a computer or other digital device capable oftransmitting display data to the jigsaw puzzle piece so configured todisplay display information transmitted to the jigsaw puzzle piece. Suchembodiments of the invention provide a user with the ability to displayon jigsaw puzzle pieces so configured different jigsaw puzzle imagesthat correspond to a part of the final solved puzzle image. Thisprovides the user with, in essence, a reprogrammable jigsaw puzzle game.In some embodiments different images for the assembled puzzle (resultingfrom the different parts of the assembled puzzle images displayed on thedisplays of different puzzle pieces) may, therefore, be chosen by auser. In some such embodiments, each of such puzzle pieces is wirelesslyprovided with display information corresponding to a part of the displayinformation that comprises the information required to display the wholepuzzle image.

In some embodiments the determination of which portion of the wholepuzzle image to transmit to a particular puzzle piece can be the resultof programming that assigns a corresponding part of the completed puzzleimage information to a puzzle piece based on where such puzzle piece islocated in relation to one or more other puzzle pieces in the finishedpuzzle. In some embodiments each puzzle piece so configured to displaypuzzle image information has a unique identifier readable by theprocessor and/or the remote computer or other digital device thattransmits display information to the subject puzzle pieces. In someembodiments, the puzzle pieces, configured as contemplated above, areseparately addressable such that a puzzle piece is able to receive imagedisplay information that corresponds to the puzzle piece's part of thetotal finished puzzle display. When all such puzzle pieces are assembledinto the finished puzzle, the aggregate of all the puzzle piece displayin concert the finished puzzle image. In some embodiments, the puzzlepieces can be configured to display different images corresponding todifferent finished puzzle images. In this way users are provided with areprogrammable jig saw puzzle.

In still other embodiments the display is incorporated into a gameboard. In some embodiments the display is incorporated into game pieces.In some instances, such game pieces can be configured to interact with agame board that has an incorporated display. In some embodiments gamepieces that include or have disposed on their exterior such displays areconfigured to interact with augmented reality devices such as heads-updisplay devices, like Google Glass, to enhance game play.

In some preferred embodiments the display is incorporated into toys,doll clothing or accessories for dolls and other toys.

In some embodiments the displays are incorporated into, or disposed onball game balls which can produce special display effects. For examplesuch effects may include a baseball configured with a display andpressure sensors that causes the baseball display to light up after theball has been hit, a basketball configured with such a display thatdisplays a fireball effect after a point has been scored, a golf ballthat provides location information can be configured with a display thatdisplays patterns or other information that becomes more and moreintense as it nears a hole, a bowling ball configured with an associateddisplay can display a bomb image that appears to blow up pins on whichflexible displays are also disposed (with proper sensing, and senseddata signal transmission devices are associated) to display such aneffect, similarly billiard balls can be configured with displays,collision sensing devices and collision detection transmission devicesto produce animated effects when such balls are struck.

In some embodiments the bodies of musical instruments can be configuredto include one or more such displays. In some embodiments informationdisplayed on such displays can be affected by the playing of theinstrument.

In some embodiments the bodies of mannequins or robots are configuredwith one or more such displays. In some embodiments the mannequins orrobots are surrogate sex devices with a user can engage in intercourseor other sexual activities while the display of a person is presented onthe said display(s) that are integrated onto or into the surface of suchmannequin or robot. In some embodiments the images comprise the displayof live video of another person.

In some embodiments all or part of the outer surface of a vibrator ordildo is configured with one or more of such displays.

In some embodiments, a condom is configured with one or more suchdisplays.

In some embodiments the entirety, part or substantially all of thebodies of drone devices are configured with one or more such flexibledisplays conforming to the shape of the drone. In some embodiments suchdrones configured with one or more flexible displays also are associatedwith a means for determination of the location of the drone, such as bya GPS receiver, so that the content displayed on the drone is associatedwith a location or a plurality of locations. In some embodiment of theinvention a plurality of drones are configured with such flexibledisplays and such means of determining the location of the drones, andsuch drones are each further configured to receive information based onthe location of each such drone. In this embodiment a coordinateddisplay involving such configured drones is possible.

In some embodiments all or part of the outside casing or covering of anobject configured with one or more such displays can be configured todisplay one or more images that similar to the environment of the objectto achieve an “invisibility” effect. For example, a cuboidal objectconfigured with one or more displays on one side of the object and oneor more cameras configured on the opposite face of the object visualinformation captured by the one or more cameras on one side of theobject is displayed on the one or more displays on the opposite face, aneffect can be achieved to make the object blend in to the backgroundcausing it to appear less visible. In some embodiments one or morecameras are arrayed about the object and information is transmitted in acoordinated manner to displays on the opposite side of the object. Insome embodiments analysis of the information received from one or aplurality of cameras is processed before transmission to the one or moredisplays in another area of the object to enhance the effect when theobject is viewed obliquely. In some embodiments the displays arecomprised of small pyramidal display units whereby the base of thepyramidal unit is the main display component projecting in the directionaway from the object through the three or four remaining sides which aretransparent or semi transparent lenses. In some embodiments all of suchremaining sides are displays as well and which are partially translucentso as to permit visual information to pass through from the base facewhich is a display the projects away from the object and out throughsuch partially translucent faces.

In some embodiments, the surfaces of tents, tarps and covers (e.g., carcovers, barbecue covers, furniture covers, bicycle covers, instrumentcovers, pillow cases, etc.) are configured with, or substantiallycomprise, one or more such flexible displays.

In such embodiments, the motion and/or location of the article may beused by the processing system 18 to control the display of images on oneor more flexible display screens on the article. For example, an articlein the form of an aircraft may be controlled to fly to a certain heightor location, in response to which the processing system 18 controls oneor more flexible display screens on the article to display one or morepredefined images, such as, but not limited to images of a fireworkexplosion, a UFO, an advertisement or other message, or the like.

In further examples of any of the above-described embodiments or otherembodiments of the present invention, the system 10 includes one or moresensors 24 and/or timers 26 connected to provide information to theprocessor system 18. In such embodiments, the processor system 18 isconfigured to control the display of information on the flexible displayscreen(s) 12, based on information provided by one or more sensors 24and/or timers 26. For example, in particular embodiments, the processorsystem 18 is configured to respond to one or more sensors 24 and/ortimers 26 providing information indicating that a predefined sensingthreshold, time period or time has been reached. In such embodiments,the processor system 18 is configured to response to that information byselecting predefined stored image information (e.g., image informationassociated with the threshold, time period or time) and providing theimage information to one or more flexible display screen(s) 12 fordisplay. In this manner, when sensor information indicates that a sensedparameter has reached a predefined threshold, the processor system 18retrieves image information associated with that threshold and causesthe display of an image associated with the retrieved image informationon the flexible display screen(s) 12.

In particular embodiments, for any one or more of the sensors 24, theprocessor system 18 is configured to operate with a plurality N ofpredefined thresholds and a respective plurality of associated imageinformation, where N is any integer equal to or greater than 1. In suchembodiments, when sensor information indicates that a sensed parameterhas reached a first predefined threshold, the processor system 18retrieves first image information associated with the first predefinedthreshold and causes the display of an image associated with the firstimage information on the flexible display screen(s) 12. Similarly, whensensor information indicates that a sensed parameter has reached asecond predefined threshold, the processor system 18 retrieves secondimage information associated with the second predefined threshold andcauses the display of an image associated with the second imageinformation on the flexible display screen(s) 12. Accordingly, whensensor information indicates that a sensed parameter has reached an Nthpredefined threshold, the processor system 18 retrieves Nth imageinformation (image information associated with the Nth predefinedthreshold) and causes the display of an image associated with the Nthimage information on the flexible display screen(s) 12. In particularembodiments, one or more (or each) of the 1-N image information isdifferent from at least one of the other (or each other) of the 1-Nimage information, such that different images are displayed in responseto sensor information indicating one or more (or each) of the differentrespective thresholds has been reached.

The one or more sensors 24 comprises one or more suitable sensor forsensing a predefined condition, such as, but not limited to, a conditionof the environment of or around the flexible display screen(s) 12 (or ofthe computer system 32 located proximate to the flexible displayscreen(s) 12), a condition of a user, or the like. The one or moresensors 24 may comprise one or more or any suitable combination ofsensors including, but not limited to, temperature sensors (that sensethe temperature of the environment around the sensor), atmosphericpressure sensors, location sensors (GPS or other sensors that detectgeographic location), light sensors (that sense ambient light),proximity sensors (that sense the proximity, within a predetermineddistance, of a person or predefined object), acceleration sensors, othertypes of motion sensors, electromagnetic field sensors, alarm conditionsensors, audio sensors, chemical sensors, door opening sensors, or thelike. In particular embodiments, one or more sensors 24 comprise one ormore sensors that sense flexible motion or flexing (and/or the degree oramount of flexible motion or flexing) of the flexible display screen(s)12 and/or flexible material 13. The one or more timers 26 may be anysuitable electronic timer, clock and/or time determining software, orthe like.

An example of a process carried out by the computer system 32 isdescribed with reference to FIG. 14, wherein the processor system isconfigured to perform operations, as described. In FIG. 14, a process1000 starts at 1002. Upon (or at a predefined time after) the start ofthe process 1000, sensor data from one or more sensors 24 is read and/ortime data from one or more timers 26 is read, at 1004. A determinationis made, at 1006, as to whether or not the sensor and/or time data readat 1004 has reached one or more predefined threshold levels. Forexample, the processor system 18 may be configured to compare the sensorand/or time data to one or more predefined threshold values.

If the determination made in 1006 is that the sensor and/or timer datahas not reached one or more predefined threshold values, then theprocess returns to 1004, to read further or updated sensor and/or timerdata) and, then, to 1006, to determine whether or not the further orupdated sensor and/or timer data has reached one or more predefinedthreshold values. In particular embodiments, the process can continuethis loop (through 1004, 1006 and back to 1004), as long as the computersystem 32 remains ON and the determination at 1006 is that the sensorand/or timer data has not reached a predefined threshold value. In otherembodiments, the process can continue that loop (through 1004, 1006 andback to 1004) as long as the above-noted conditions are met until apredefined time period expires (or other predefined condition hasoccurred), in which case the process ends.

If the determination made in 1006 is that the sensor and/or timer datahas reached one or more predefined threshold values, then displayinformation for controlling the display of a predefined image, video orthe like, is retrieved, at 1008. In particular embodiments, the displayinformation retrieved at 1008 corresponds to the one or more thresholdvalues reached by the sensor and/or timer data. For example, a pluralityof different image information corresponding (in a one-to-onerelationship or other relationship) to a plurality of differentthreshold values is stored in the memory 20 or otherwise available tothe computer system 32 for example, through communication network 28. Insuch embodiments, at 1008, the processor system 18 is configured toretrieve image information corresponding to one or more threshold valuesreached by the sensor and/or timer data that is read at 1004. At 1010,the flexible display screen(s) 12 is controlled to display one or moreimages and/or videos corresponding to the image information retrieved at1008.

In embodiments involving multiple threshold values, the process 1000determines whether there are any further thresholds that can be reached,at 1012. In other embodiments involving only one threshold value, thenthe process 1000 may end after the one or more images and/or videos aredisplayed at 1010 (or, alternatively, may return to 1004 to read furtheror updated sensor and/or timer data).

If the determination made at 1012 is that there are further thresholdsthat could be reached, then the process 1000 returns to 1004 (to readfurther or updated sensor and/or timer data) and, then, to 1006 todetermine whether or not the further or updated sensor and/or timer datahas reached one or more of the further thresholds. If, on the otherhand, the determination made at 1012 is that there are no furtherthresholds that could be reached, then the process ends at 1014.

The flow chart in FIG. 14 represents one example embodiment of a processthat can be carried out by the system 10. However, other embodiments mayemploy processes that are variations of the process described hereinwith respect to FIG. 14 and/or different processes for controlling thedisplay of information on the flexible display screen(s) 12, dependent,at least in part, on sensor and/or timer data.

In any of the above described embodiments, one or more sensors 24comprise any suitable sensor for sensing a predefined condition, suchas, but not limited to, the sensors and conditions described above. Inembodiments in which one or more sensors 24 comprises a temperaturesensor, then the one or more predefined threshold values comprises oneor more predefined temperature levels. In addition, the imageinformation corresponding to the one or more predefined threshold levelvalues comprises image information that is associated with therespective one or more predefined temperature levels. For example, oneor more different images displaying temperature information (degreesFahrenheit and/or Celsius, images associated with a cool or hottemperature or gradient thereof, or the like) may be retrieved anddisplayed for each different threshold value reached.

In embodiments in which the one or more sensors 24 comprises a pressuresensor, then the one or more predefined threshold values comprises oneor more predefined pressure levels. In addition, the image informationcorresponding to the one or more predefined threshold level valuescomprises image information that is associated with the respective oneor more predefined pressure levels. For example, one or more differentimages displaying pressure information (bars, or other measures ofpressure, or other displayed data responsive to pressure changes, suchas color changes, display image frequency, or sound emission changesassociated with high or low pressures or gradient thereof, or the like)may be retrieved and displayed for each different threshold valuereached.

In embodiments in which the one or more sensors 24 comprises a locationsensor, then the one or more predefined threshold values comprises oneor more predefined locations. In addition, the image informationcorresponding to the one or more predefined thresholds comprises imageinformation that is associated with the respective one or morepredefined locations. For example, one or more different imagesdisplaying location information (addresses, maps, “you are here”information, route to destination information, or the like), imagesassociated with the location, or the like) may be retrieved anddisplayed for each different location reached.

In embodiments in which the one or more sensors 24 comprises a lightsensor, then the one or more predefined threshold values comprises oneor more predefined light levels and/or frequencies. In addition, theimage information corresponding to the one or more predefined thresholdlevel values comprises image information that is associated with therespective one or more predefined light levels and/or frequencies. Forexample, one or more different images displaying light information(lumens or other intensity level measures), images associated with highor low light intensity or gradient thereof, frequency or the like) maybe retrieved and displayed for each different threshold value reached.

In embodiments in which the one or more sensors 24 comprises a proximitysensor, then the one or more predefined threshold values comprises oneor more predefined proximity levels (e.g., distances from the sensor).In addition, the image information corresponding to the one or morepredefined threshold level values comprises image information that isassociated with the respective one or more predefined proximity levels.For example, one or more different images displaying proximityinformation (distance measurements or the like), images associated withdifferent distances, and/or messages, warnings or the like, associatedwith different distances, may be retrieved and displayed for eachdifferent threshold value reached.

In embodiments in which the one or more sensors 24 comprises anacceleration sensor, then the one or more predefined threshold valuescomprises one or more predefined acceleration levels. In addition, theimage information corresponding to the one or more predefined thresholdlevel values comprises image information that is associated with therespective one or more predefined acceleration levels. For example, oneor more different images displaying acceleration information (rate ofacceleration, rate of deceleraton, patterns ofacceleration/deceleration, etc) images associated with high or lowlevels of acceleration or gradient thereof, or the like) may beretrieved and displayed for each different threshold value reached.

In embodiments in which the one or more sensors 24 comprises a tactilesensor, one or more tactile sensors may be incorporated into a mask orarticle of clothing (or other article) as described herein, and theprocessing system 18 may be configured to provide or change one or moreimages on the flexible display screen(s) in the mask or article inresponse to a tactile input from the one or more tactile sensors.Accordingly, games or other activities may be carried out, where aperson (or part of the person) who has been touched (or otherwiseengaged to activate the tactile sensor on a mask, article of clothing orother article carried by that person) is identified by providing orchanging the image displayed on one or more flexible display screens onthe mask, article of clothing or other article carried by that person).

For example, in a game of tag, the person who is “it” can be identifiedby the display of one or more predefined images, and/or a person being“tagged” by a person who is “it” can be identified by the display of oneor more predefined images. Similarly, in a game of touch football, theperson carrying the ball can be considered tackled, if the tactilesensor associated with that person is activated and the flexible displayscreen on the mask, article of clothing or other article carried by thatperson displays or changes to display a predefined image. Similarly,fouls in basketball can be detected by tactile sensors and predefinedimages can be displayed on a player's clothing or other articleassociated with the player. In such embodiments, the location of thetactile sensor and the display screen on the mask, article of clothingor other article may be arranged in any suitable locations, but inparticular embodiments are arranged to coincide with the location of atactile input, such that the particular location on the user's face,clothing or other article that was touched (to activate the tactilesensor) is the same location (or near location) to the location at whicha display screen displays an image or change in image. Accordingly, thelocation on the player that the player was touched (tagged, fouled orotherwise touched) is the location at or near where a predefined imageis displayed in response to the touching. In particular embodiments, thedisplayed image may be a predefined message, text, color, or otherindicia to represent the location at which the player was touched.

In yet further embodiments, an article employed in a game (e.g., a ball,puck or the like) can include one or more flexible display screens asdescribed herein, where a sensor (e.g., sensor 24, such as, but notlimited to a GPS, proximity or other suitable location sensor) detectsthe location of the game article and one or more flexible displayscreens on the game article are controlled to display an imageassociated with the location of the game article. In such embodiments,the processing system 18 may be configured to control the imagedisplayed on the game article so that the image is provided or changed,when the game article moves to an out-of-bounds or foul location, and/orto an end-zone, goal or other scoring location.

In embodiments in which the one or more sensors 24 comprises anothertype of sensor, then one or more different images displaying informationcorresponding to that type of sensor may be retrieved and displayed foreach different threshold value reached.

According to a further example of any of the above-described embodimentsor other embodiments, one or more sensors 24 comprises a sensor thatdetects flexure, e.g., whether the flexible material (11, 101, 601, 611,621, 631, 641, 651, 661, 671), and/or the flexible display screen(s)(12, 112, 212, 602, 612, 622, 632, 642, 652, 662, 672) is in a flexedstate and an un-flexed state, or detects an amount of flex or bend ofthe flexible material and/or flexible display screen(s). In suchembodiments, the sensors may be any form of sensor capable of detectingflexing (bending) or an amount (magnitude) of flex (or bend) andproviding a signal indicative of the amount of flexing and/or indicativeof whether (or not) flexing (bending) is detected, whether (or not)flexing (or bending) above a predefined threshold amount is detected orthe like. Such sensors may include, but are not limited to, strainsensors, bend sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors, piezoelectricsensors, electromagnetic field change sensors, temperature sensors,sound sensors, chemical sensors, particle sensors combinations thereof,or the like. In such embodiments, the processor system 18 is configuredto respond to sensor signals by selecting predefined stored imageinformation (e.g., image information associated with sensed flexing,amount of flexing, threshold reached, or the like) and providing theimage information to one or more flexible display screen(s) 12 fordisplay. Accordingly, the flexible display screen(s) 12 are controlledto display an image (or images), where the displayed image(s) areselected or generated, depending upon (and in response to) a flexing oran amount of flexing of the article 14 on which the flexible displayscreen(s) 12 is provided.

Thus, for example, one or more flexible display screen(s) on a wearablearticle (e.g., as described above with respect to FIG. 6 or otherwearable article) can be controlled to display one or more differentimages, depending upon the amount of flexing or bending of the article.Thus, a dancer's leotard, athlete's shirt, runner's shoes, or the like,can be controlled to display different images at different flexingmotions of the dancer's or athletes body, or runner's foot and, inparticular embodiments, at and along the locations of flexure of thebody, foot, etc. Such displays can be designed to provide an aestheticenhancement to a user's movements. In further embodiments, flexibledisplay screens and displays can be incorporated in tightly fittingwearable articles as described above, and configured to enhance or tracksuch user movements and/or provide visual feedback for evaluatingflexing of portions of a person's body during athletic or other motions,for example, to help evaluate or improve athletic performance, to helpdiagnose or treat physical or medical conditions, or the like.Similarly, in the sail, banner, flag, and wind sock examples describedabove, a display on one or more display screen(s) can be controlled todisplay different images at different flexing motions of the sail,banner, flag or wind sock.

In another example, one or more flexible display screen(s) isincorporated in the outer wall of a flexible container (or in a cover orband similar to cover 970 for surrounding a portion of the outer wall ofa container) where the container (or cover) also includes one or moresensor(s) that detect flexure as described above. In such embodiments,the sensor(s) is configured to detect a predefined amount of expansion(or contraction) of the container, and the processing system 18 isconfigured to control the one or more flexible display screen(s) toprovide or change a predefined image in response to the detection of thepredefined amount of expansion (or contraction). In particularembodiments, a plurality of different predefined images are displayedfor a plurality of different predefined threshold levels of expansion(or contraction), respectively, such that a different one of thepredefined image is displayed in response to the detection of expansion(or contraction) at each respective different one of the predefinedthreshold levels. In particular embodiments, such a flexible displayscreen system can be configured as a food container (or as a cover tofit over a food container), to detect a predefined amount of expansionof the food container that would occur over time, due to bloating of orbacterial growth in the food container.

For example, in some embodiments information from the aforementionedstrain sensors, bend sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors,piezoelectric sensors, electromagnetic field change sensors, temperaturesensors, sound sensors, combinations thereof, or the like, can beassociated with pre-determined values that indicate a thresholdcondition triggering a warning or alarm that can be displayed on one ormore configured displays. Such as system in association with a can orother container containing food or other consumable material about whichthe aforementioned display configured in association with could be usedto warn consumers via display of a warning on one or more of suchconfigured displays that bacteria in the material in the container,which has produced gases due to reproduction, have reached a dangerouslevel. Such display of information might read “DO NOT CONSUME” or asimilar warning. In some embodiments the information from theaforementioned sensors is transmitted wirelessly (via Bluetooth or othermeans) to a remote computer or similar device. In some embodimentsfeedback information or information for display on one or more of thedisplays associated with the contain is transmitted wireless (viaBluetooth or other means) to one or more of the display units.

In yet other embodiments, the flexible article 14 is provided with oneor more electronic, mechanical or electromechanical motive devices (suchas, but not limited to motors, actuators, solenoids, or the like) ormanual movement devices and suitable linkage to apply a force on theflexible article 14 sufficient to cause the article to flex (bend) in acontrolled manner. In such embodiments, one or more electronic processorsystems (such as, but not limited to the processor system 18) may beconnected to the motive device to electronically control the amount offorce (and the amount of flex or bending action) applied to the flexiblearticle 14, to electronically control the amount of flexing or bendingof the article 14. Also in such embodiments, one or more sensors 24 maybe connected to provide a sensor signal to the processor system(s),based on sensed parameter, where the processor system(s) are configuredto cause and control an amount of force (flexing or bending) applied tothe article in response to and dependent on the sensor signal. In suchembodiments, the flexible article 14 (including the flexible displayscreen(s) 12 are controlled to flex (bend), based on and dependent uponthe sensor signal.

For example, in such embodiments, the sensor(s) 24 may include one ormore of a motion, proximity, light, temperature or other suitablesensor, for sensing the location of a person or object in the vicinityof the sensor. In such embodiments, the flexible article 14 and flexibledisplay screen(s) 12 may be controlled, for example, to flex or bendinto a state (bending state) that is better for viewing images from thelocation of the person or object sensed by the sensor 24. Alternatively,the flexible article 14 and flexible display screen(s) 12 may becontrolled to flex or bend into a state that inhibits viewing of imagesfrom the location of the person or object sensed by the sensor 24. Inyet other embodiments, the flexible article 14 and flexible displayscreen(s) 12 may be controlled to flex or bend into a state thatprovides a view of a different image (e.g., different display screen(s)12 or a different portion of the display screen(s) 12) to a personlocated at the location of the sensed person or object, relative to theimage (display screen(s) 12 or portion of the display screen(s) 12)viewable to a person located at another location.

In yet further embodiments, the processor system is configured tocontrol the flexing (bending) of the flexible article 14 and flexibledisplay screen(s) 12, depending upon and based upon image informationbeing displayed on the flexible display screen(s) 12. Thus, for example,when the image displayed on the flexible display screen(s) 12 is of around or spherical object, then the processor system controls theflexing or bending of the flexible article 14 and flexible displayscreen(s) 12 to form a rounded or partial sphere shape. However, whenthe image displayed on the flexible display screen(s) 12 is of a flatobject or expansive view, then the processor system controls the flexingor bending of the flexible article 14 and flexible display screen(s) 12to be relatively flat.

Yet further embodiments of the present invention incorporate variouscombinations of embodiments described herein. For example, embodimentsof a flexible display screen system may include one or more sensors fordetecting flexure or bending of an article 14 (or of one or moreflexible display screens 12), one or more mechanisms for controllingflexure or bending of the article 14, one or more flexible displayscreens 12 controlled (via a processing system 18) to display imagesassociated with the detected amount of flexure and or the controlledamount of flexure. In one example embodiment, such an article may beformed as a wearable article such as, but not limited to a wearable bodysuit for electronic gaming with haptic and visual display features. Sucha wearable article may include haptic and/or electronic shock deliverymechanisms arranged to deliver the person wearing the suit a force(mechanical and/or electronic), for example, as part of a game. Such aneffect can provide the effect of receiving a blow in a fight or othergame activity. Such a wearable article may include one or moremechanical devices for constricting one or more portions of the wearablearticle, for example, to provide a squeezing effect as part of a gameactivity. In particular embodiments, one or more flexible displayscreens on the wearable article is controlled to display an imageassociated with the haptic, electronic or constricting force. Forexample, an image of a wound or a gripping hand or other imageassociated with the force delivered by the wearable article is displayedon the flexible display screen(s), for example, at or near the locationwhere the force was delivered to the person wearing the wearablearticle. Also in such embodiments, the wearable article may include oneor more sensors (such as sensors 24) configured to detect flexure (suchas the amount and/or location of flexure) and signals representing thedetected flexure as game input to control one or more electronic gameactivities.

In each of the embodiments described above, the computer system 32 maybe adhered to the article 14, for example, glued, embedded, sewn orotherwise connected on or in the article 14, for example, in a locationthat is normally concealed from view when the article 14 is used.Alternatively, the computer system 32 may be provided in a separatehousing or other structure, to be carried with or placed near the useror object on which the article 14 is placed. In particular embodiments,the computer system 32 is provided within a housing having aconfiguration, size and shape to be placed in a standard sized clothingpocket or otherwise carried by a user of mask or other apparel item suchas described above with respect to FIGS. 2-10.

In embodiments described above, image information for the one or moreflexible display screen(s) may be information for displaying a stillimage, multiple still images (e.g., in a predefined order or inpseudorandom order), video images or combinations thereof. Inembodiments described above, image information for the one or moreflexible display screen(s) 12 is stored in one or more electronic memorydevices 20 or obtained over the network 28, from a remote processor 30.In other embodiments, image information for the one or more flexibledisplay screen(s) 12 is provided by other sources electronicallyconnected to the computer system 32. In yet other embodiments, imageinformation for the one or more flexible display screen(s) 12 may begenerated dynamically (not from a pre-stored image) by the processorsystem 18 configured to generate display information (e.g., randomly,pseudo-randomly, in a predefined changing pattern, in response toinformation provided by one or more sensors 24 and/or timers 26, inresponse to user input from the manual controller 22 or other manualinput device, or the like).

In yet other embodiments, image information for the one or more flexibledisplay screen(s) 12 may be generated dynamically in response to userinput from a further computer device (such as, but not limited to, smartphone, smart pad, laptop computer, desktop computer, a wearablecomputer, an implanted computer, a computer associated with a usefulobject, or the like) connected for communication with the computersystem 32 (e.g., through a suitable wired or wireless link, as describedabove). With such embodiments, the further computer device is configured(for example, with suitable software, firmware, hardware or combinationsthereof) to allow a user to select, draw, create, color, shade, tone,and/or provide other visual enhancements to an image of a face on adisplay screen associated with that further computer device. With suchembodiments, a user may create an image of a face and facial features onthe display device associated with the further computer device and, thencommunicate corresponding image information to the computer system 32,for display on the flexible display screen(s) in the display screenlayer 112 of the mask in FIGS. 2 and 3 or for display on the flexibledisplay screen(s) 212 on the wig or head mask 200. Similarly, with suchembodiments, a user may use the further computer device to select, draw,create, color, shade, tone and/or provide other visual enhancements toan image on display screen(s) 12.

In further embodiments of the present invention, one or more flexibledisplay screen(s) 12 may be attached to, included in or otherwiseassociated with one or more articles 14 as described above and, or otherarticles 14.

For example, one or more flexible display screen(s) 12 (or displayscreen layer 112) may be layered onto a curved (or flat) surface of, orotherwise included on or in a surface of, a transparent or partiallytransparent object (window, lens, glasses, goggles or other eyewear thatis wearable over a person's eyes). In particular embodiments, thetransparent or partially transparent object is a transparent orpartially transparent electronic display screen device, where objects orscenes on the other side of the display screen device (relative to theperson viewing the display screen(s)) are viewable at the same time thatimages displayed on the display screen(s) are viewable. Accordingly,images may be displayed on the display screen(s) in a manner in whichthey appear to be superimposed on or with objects or scenes viewablethrough the display screen device. In particular embodiments, suchtransparent or partially transparent visual display screen devices mayinclude, but are not limited to electronic heads-up display devices(such as, but not limited to displays in vehicle windshields, windows inbuildings or other structures, billboards, glasses, goggles or othereyewear wearable over a person's eyes (including such as, but notlimited to Google Glass), or the like.

In some embodiments of the invention an adhesive is disposed on part ofone or more flexible display screen(s) 12 (or display screen layer (112)or a housing associated with flexible display screen(s) 12 (or displayscreen layer (112). In some embodiments the adhesive providesadhesiveness similar to that used in a Post-It® (3M Company). In somefurther embodiments thin flexible display products produced according tothe invention that include such an adhesive components can be configuredto provide a user with the ability to generate notes and otherinformation records and display such notes and other records via aflexible display product, and to then temporarily affix such displaycontaining the note or other record to surfaces in a similar fashion asis commonly done with respect to the notes written on a Post-It®. Insome further embodiments, the note or other information is retrieved anddisplayed on the display in response to activation of by touchactivation where the display is a touch screen display, voice command,or similar means.

In some embodiments of the invention one or more flexible displays areaffixed to or comprise a credit card, debit card or gift card. In someembodiments of the invention the flexible display is a touch screen andthe flexible display contains or is associated with one or moreprocessors and wireless transceivers that is/are in communication with aremote computer that provides the means for a user to determineinformation about the account associated with the credit card, debitcard, gift card, etc., such as balance, transaction history, etc., bytouch controls displayed on the flexible display.

In some embodiments of the invention flexible display screen 12 (ordisplay screen layer (112) or a housing associated with flexible displayscreen 12 or display screen layer (112)) is configured to adapt to ahuman eye in a manner similar to a contact lens. In some embodiments,such a housing associated with flexible display screen 12 or displayscreen layer (112) is also associated with a processor, a transceiverfor communication with a remote computer or other digital device, and apower source, all of which are configured to be disposed over an eye toform an “over-eye display device.” In some embodiments, the “over-eyedisplay device” includes a display screen 12 or display screen layer 112disposed on the eye facing part of the over-eye display device. In someconfigurations the over-eye display device is configured with a seconddisplay disposed on the part of the over-eye display device that facesaway from the eye. This second flexible screen provides a user with theability to display different color eyes, etc.

In some embodiments, the flexible display screens 12 comprise a part of“lighting source device” whereby flexible display screen 12 (or displayscreen layer (112) or a housing associated with flexible display screen12 or display screen layer (112)) is configured to have the generalshape of the light diffusing portion of a common incandescent,fluorescent or LED light bulb. In some embodiments, the aforementionedlighting source device also includes in association with such flexibledisplay screen 12 (or display screen layer (112) or a housing associatedwith flexible display screen 12 or display screen layer (112), aprocessor, a transceiver for communication with a remote computer orother digital device, and a power source. In some embodiments, thelighting source device is configured with external power conductingterminals or other connection, such as the type typically found at thebottom of a common incandescent light bulb, to screw into or otherwisemate with a light socket. In some configurations the coupling of anexternal power source for the lighting source device is achieved byscrewing a light source device shaped light a standard incandescentlight bulb into a live standard incandescent light bulb socket. Similarcoupling can be achieved for other configurations of the lighting sourcedevices (e.g., connecting a lighting source device shaped light afluorescent light bulb can be configured with power connectors thatenable such a shaped lighting source device to connect to a power socketappropriate for a fluorescent light bulb.

The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive of the invention. The scope of theinvention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible display screen system comprising: anarticle comprising a flexible material configured to cover at least aportion of a person's anatomy or at least a portion of an object; atleast one flexible display screen secured on the flexible material toface away from the person's anatomy or to face away from the object whenthe flexible material covers at least the portion of the person'sanatomy or at least the portion of the object; a computer systemconfigured to provide image information for controlling a display ofimages on the flexible display screen; wherein the computer systemincludes at least one sensor that provides a sensor signal in responseto a sensed parameter, the computer system configured to control thedisplay of images on the flexible display screen in response to thesensor signal; wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least onesensor that senses flexing of the flexible material or the at least oneflexible display screen; and wherein the computer system is configuredto provide image information for providing a plurality of differentimages corresponding to a respective plurality of different amounts offlexing sensed by the at least one sensor; wherein the article comprisesa wearable article configured to be worn by a person or animal, to coverat least a portion of the person or animal, and to flex with flexingmovement of the portion of the person or animal, and wherein the atleast one sensor is configured to sense flexing of the flexible materialas the flexible material flexes with movement of the portion of theperson or animal.
 2. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the articlecomprises a mask or head covering article, and the flexible material isconfigured to cover at least a portion of a person's face or head, andto flex with flexing movement of the person's face or head, and whereinthe at least one sensor is configured to sense flexing of the flexiblematerial as the flexible material flexes with movement of the person'sface or head.
 3. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the articlecomprises at least one of a headband, wristband, glove, shirt, belt orshoe.
 4. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the computer systemincludes at least one timer that provides a timer signal in response toan expiration of a predefined time period, the computer systemconfigured to further control the display of images on the flexibledisplay screen in response to the timer signal.
 5. A system as recitedin claim 4, wherein the computer system is configured to provide imageinformation for providing a plurality of different images correspondingto a respective plurality of expirations of different predefined timeperiods timed by the at least one timer.
 6. A system as recited in claim1, wherein the flexible display screen is secured to the flexible sheetmaterial in a fixed position on the flexible sheet material.
 7. A systemas recited in claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet material of thearticle comprises a rug, a carpet, a floor mat, a blanket, a bedspread,a curtain, or a window shade.
 8. A system as recited in claim 1, whereinthe flexible sheet material of the article comprises a sailboat sail, abanner, a flag, a windsock or a balloon.
 9. A flexible display screensystem comprising: an article comprising a flexible material configuredto cover at least a portion of an object; at least one flexible displayscreen secured on the flexible material to face away from the objectwhen the flexible material covers at least the portion of the object; acomputer system configured to provide image information for controllinga display of images on the flexible display screen; wherein the computersystem includes at least one sensor that provides a sensor signal inresponse to a sensed parameter, the computer system configured tocontrol the display of images on the flexible display screen in responseto the sensor signal; wherein the at least one sensor comprises at leastone sensor configured to sense a temperature of the portion of theobject covered by the flexible material of the article; and wherein theflexible sheet material is configured to surround and cover at least aportion of a drinking container or bottle, and the temperature sensor isconfigured to sense the temperature of the portion of the drinkingcontainer or bottle covered by the flexible material.
 10. A system asrecited in claim 9, wherein the computer system is configured to provideimage information for providing a plurality of different imagescorresponding to a respective plurality of different temperatures sensedby the at least one sensor.
 11. A flexible display screen systemcomprising: an article comprising a flexible material configured tocover at least a portion of a person's anatomy or at least a portion ofan object; at least one flexible display screen secured on the flexiblematerial to face away from the person's anatomy or to face away from theobject when the flexible material covers at least the portion of theperson's anatomy or at least the portion of the object; a computersystem configured to provide image information for controlling a displayof images on the flexible display screen; wherein the computer systemincludes at least one sensor that provides a sensor signal in responseto a sensed parameter, the computer system configured to control thedisplay of images on the flexible display screen in response to thesensor signal; wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least onesensor that senses weight applied to the article, wherein the computersystem is configured to provide image information for providing aplurality of different images corresponding to a respective plurality ofdifferent amounts of weight sensed by the at least one sensor.
 12. Asystem as recited in claim 11, wherein the flexible sheet material isshaped to flexibly fit over and cover a table, and the sensor isconfigured to sense a weight of one or more items placed on the table,and wherein the computer system is configured to provide imageinformation for providing one or more images corresponding to the sensedweight.
 13. A method of making a flexible display screen system, themethod comprising: configuring a flexible material of an article tocover at least a portion of a person's anatomy or at least a portion ofan object; securing at least one flexible display screen on the flexiblematerial in a position to face away from the person's anatomy or facingaway from the object when the flexible material covers at least theportion of the person's anatomy or at least the portion of the object;configuring a computer system to provide image information forcontrolling a display of images on the flexible display screen;receiving a sensor signal from at least one sensor that provides thesensor signal in response to a sensed parameter, and configuring thecomputer system to control the display of images on the flexible displayscreen in response to the sensor signal, wherein the at least one sensorcomprises at least one sensor that senses flexing of the flexiblematerial or the at least one flexible display screen; and configuringthe computer system to provide image information for providing aplurality of different images corresponding to a respective plurality ofdifferent amounts of flexing sensed by the at least one sensor; whereinthe article comprises a wearable article configured to be worn by aperson or animal, to cover at least a portion of the person or animal,and to flex with flexing movement of the portion of the person oranimal, and wherein the at least one sensor is configured to senseflexing of the flexible material as the flexible material flexes withmovement of the portion of the person or animal.
 14. A method as recitedin claim 13, wherein the article comprises a mask or head coveringarticle, and the flexible material is configured to cover at least aportion of a person's face or head, and to flex with flexing movement ofthe person's face or head, and wherein the at least one sensor sensesflexing of the flexible material as the flexible material flexes withmovement of the person's face or head.
 15. A method as recited in claim13, wherein the article comprises at least one of a headband, wristband,glove, shirt, belt or shoe.
 16. A method as recited in claim 13, furthercomprising receiving a timer signal from at least one timer thatprovides the timer signal in response to an expiration of a predefinedtime period, and configuring the computer system to control the displayof images on the flexible display screen in response to the timersignal.
 17. A method as recited in claim 16, further comprisingconfiguring the computer system to provide image information forproviding a plurality of different images corresponding to a respectiveplurality of expirations of different predefined time periods timed bythe at least one timer.
 18. A flexible display screen system comprising:an article comprising a flexible material configured to cover at least aportion of a person's anatomy or at least a portion of an object; atleast one flexible display screen secured on the flexible material toface away from the person's anatomy or to face away from the object whenthe flexible material covers at least the portion of the person'sanatomy or at least the portion of the object; a computer systemconfigured to provide image information for controlling a display ofimages on the flexible display screen; wherein the computer systemincludes at least one sensor that provides a sensor signal in responseto a sensed parameter, the computer system configured to control thedisplay of images on the flexible display screen in response to thesensor signal; wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least onesensor that senses flexing of the flexible material or the at least oneflexible display screen; wherein the computer system is configured toprovide image information for providing a plurality of different imagescorresponding to a respective plurality of different amounts of flexingsensed by the at least one sensor; and wherein the flexible sheetmaterial of the article comprises a vehicle cover having a shape thatconforms to the outer shape of a vehicle.